Physics

Infrared

Opacity

Porosity

Optics

Low emissivity

Radiative cooling

Composite material

Emissivity

Materials science

Ultraviolet

Layer (electronics)

Polymethyl methacrylate

Optoelectronics

Polymer

Radiative transfer

Thermodynamics

ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces

Passive radiative cooling is a spontaneous pattern of reflecting sunlight and radiating heat into the cold outer space through transparent atmosphere windows. In this work, an ordered-porous-array polymethyl methacrylate (OPA-PMMA) film with the properties of excellent radiative cooling is designed and studied. An ultra-high emissivity of 98.4% in the mid-infrared region (3-25 μm) and a good solar reflectance of 85% in the ultraviolet and near-infrared solar spectra (0.2-2.5 μm) were achieved. The surface temperature of the OPA-PMMA film is 16 °C lower than that of the smooth-surface PMMA films and is 8.6 °C lower than that of the commercial white paint in the outdoor test. The structure of the OPA plays an important role in improving solar reflectivity and emissivity. The films are fabricated using a one-step low-cost process that can be applied for large-scale production. It is vital for promoting radiative cooling as a viable energy technology for buildings, fabric, or equipment that need a cooling environment.

Ordered-Porous-Array Polymethyl Methacrylate Films for Radiative Cooling